A critical weather radar on New Zealand’s West Coast has been rendered inoperable for an extended period following a powerful lightning strike that caused extensive damage to the facility. The radar, located north of the Hokitika River, went offline around 1 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2025, disrupting local weather monitoring capabilities.
The Force of the Strike
The incident occurred during a period of highly active weather, with a lightning bolt measuring an extraordinary 156,000 amps striking the radar tower. This intensity, approximately five times that of a typical lightning strike, overwhelmed the site’s grounding systems and unleashed a destructive force. The strike obliterated the radome, the protective weatherproof cover for the radar, and fried internal electronic components. MetService meteorologist Katie Hillyer noted that radar towers, while essential for clear weather views, are inherently exposed to such risks.
Complex Repairs Ahead
Following the strike, MetService’s technical team was dispatched to assess the damage. Their initial findings revealed the extent of the destruction to be significant and the subsequent repairs to be complex. MetService indicated that moisture within nearby structures likely vaporized instantaneously, contributing to explosive damage. The full scope of the internal electronic damage is still being meticulously assessed, underscoring the challenging nature of restoring the vital equipment.
Maintaining Forecast Accuracy Amidst Outage
While the Hokitika radar is out of commission, MetService assures the public that weather monitoring and forecasting operations will continue uninterrupted. Meteorologists are employing a combination of alternative data sources, including satellite imagery, data from neighboring radar sites, weather stations, and advanced computer models. This multi-faceted approach ensures that accurate forecasts and severe weather warnings can still be delivered to the West Coast and surrounding communities. The current news regarding this outage highlights the ongoing need for robust meteorological infrastructure.
Commitment to Restoration and Public Safety
MetService has expressed a strong commitment to restoring the West Coast radar as swiftly as possible, acknowledging its importance to the region. In light of the severe weather event that led to the damage, MetService also issued a timely reminder for public safety during thunderstorms. “Don’t end up like our radar, if you hear thunder, head indoors,” the forecaster advised, emphasizing the inherent dangers of lightning.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. The ongoing investigations into the full extent of the damage and the subsequent repair efforts will be closely watched by residents and authorities alike. For the latest on weather warnings and forecasts, New Zealanders are encouraged to stay updated through official MetService channels.
